Summary of Contents for Comtec Encore 4
-
Page 1: Portable Printer
Portable Printer User's Manual Comtec Information Systems, Inc. Part No. UMAN-EN4 Rev. 1.2 July 21, 1998... - Page 2 Inasmuch as every effort has been made to supply accurate informa- tion in this manual, Comtec is not liable for any erroneous information or omissions. Copyrights The copyrights in this manual and the printer described therein are owned by Comtec Information Systems, Inc.
-
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents Introduction ..............1 Printer Specifications ........... 3 Physical..............3 Environmental ............3 Printing Characteristics ..........3 Communications Interface ......... 3 Communications Protocol .......... 4 Pin Assignments ............4 Media Type ..............5 Media Handling ............5 Software Features............5 Controls ................. - Page 4 APPENDIX A ............. A-1 APPENDIX B ............. A-4 APPENDIX C ............. A-5 APPENDIX D .............. A-6 Patent Information ............. A-7...
- Page 5 Operation Section...
-
Page 7: Introduction
Integrated battery status and hardware diagnostics circuits, as well as its compact size, make the Encore 4 ideal for mobile printing. Some Encore 4 models offer wireless communications via short range radio frequency (SRRF) or infrared (IrDA) interfaces. -
Page 9: Printer Specifications
14° to 104°F (-10° to 40°C) Storage temperature: -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C) Relative humidity: 95% non-condensing The Encore 4 automatically compensates for head temperature when printing. Protection circuitry prevents damage due to excessive print head temperatures. Printing Characteristics Print Head Life: 1,964,160"... -
Page 10: Communications Protocol
Communications Protocol The Encore 4 supports RTS/CTS (hardware) and XON/ XOFF handshaking protocols to synchronize with the host terminal. The handshaking protocol and the baud rate are programmable. The default communications parameters are: Handshaking = RTS/CTS Baud Rate = 19,200... -
Page 11: Media Type
Media Type • Paper Labels • Synthetic Labels • Tags • Two-part thermal receipts • Linerless labels (on linerless models only) • Plain paper (Thermal transfer units only) Media Handling Media Width: 4.25" (108 mm) max. width 1.5" (38 mm) min. width Maximum Print Width: 4.09"... - Page 12 • Protective rubber boots for severe use • Mobile mount for use on heavy equipment Power The Encore 4 utilizes a removable NiMH battery pack. If not connected to a terminal with DTR present, the Encore 4 will automatically power off to conserve battery life.
-
Page 13: Controls
Self Test The Encore 4 can perform a self test which will print a solid black line to insure all elements of the print head are working, and then print out the version of software loaded in the printer. -
Page 14: Batteries And Charging
Batteries and Charging Removing and Replacing Batteries Batteries are removed from the Encore 4 by the follow- ing procedure: 1. Face the front of the printer. Push the battery release button on the right side of the printer to- wards the top of the printer. -
Page 15: Low Battery Shutdown
Low Battery Shutdown The Encore 4 monitors battery charge level in software and will cause the low-battery LED to flash as the batter- ies become depleted. When the LED illuminates continu- ously, the printer should be shut off and the battery pack re-charged. - Page 16 Edge Guide “Open” Button Media Installation: Peeler not in use Peeler Roller “Open” Button Edge Guide Media Liner Media Installation: Peeler in use UMAN-EN4 O-10...
-
Page 17: Installation Of Media: Direct Thermal Units
Installation of Label Media The Encore 4 can print and separate labels automati- cally using its optional built in label peeler, and print on conventional media or print continuous batches of labels without using the peeler. The following details label media installation for these two modes. - Page 18 Installaion of Media (continued) 5. Slide the edge guide back over the spindle and against the roll of media. Roll will be automatically centered inside the paper compartment. 6. Close the top and insure it is securely latched before beginning to print. 7.
-
Page 19: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Self Test: Perform the self test as described in the Controls sec- tion. Unit should print a solid black line and two reports. The first report indicates model, ROM version, serial number, baud rate, etc. The second report contains application information. -
Page 20: Communication Error
Reduced battery charge life: • Recondition battery. • Damaged battery-replace. • Check battery date code: if one to two years old, short charge life may be due to normal aging. Error light flashing: • No application: reload program. • If using wireless communications: normal indication while data is being received. -
Page 21: Maintenence
Maintenence The Encore 4 will provide years of reliable service provided a few simple guidelines are followed. The printer should be cleaned approximately every two weeks or more often, depending on usage and the type of media being employed. Components of the printer that require periodic maintenance are the print head, print roller, label peeler and the sensors. -
Page 22: Cleaning The Platen
• Open the printer by pressing the “Open” button on the front of the unit. • Swing the print head open. • Use the cleaning pen supplied with the printer and/ or alcohol and cotton swabs to clean the surface of the print head, the platen, the sensors and the peeler roller. -
Page 23: Communicating To The Printer
The 8- pin circular connector on your communications cable plugs into the serial communica- tions port on the side of the Encore 4. It is keyed to assure correct alignment; do not try to force it if it does not plug in. -
Page 24: Ir Communications
The IrDA window on the front of the Encore 4 must face the corresponding window on the terminal to properly send and receive signals. An IrDA... - Page 25 There is no base station or centralized control; control of the network is distributed across the entire network. Before SRRF operation can begin, the Encore 4 must be “linked” to a terminal with a compatible short-range radio. Linking means that addresses are exchanged between the terminal and the printer.
- Page 26 The terminal must then execute an algorithm which converts the serial number into an address. Comtec can provide C source code to licensed OEM customers that handles the con- version from serial number to address.
- Page 27 The printer will generate a label, perform the link proce- dure, then generate a second label. The second label will contain information on the version of the short-range network, the current settings of certain network param- eters, and the results of the link attempt (“LINK ATTEMPT SUCCESSFUL”...
- Page 28 Appendices...
-
Page 29: Appendix A
APPENDIX A INTERFACE CABLES Comtec Part Number BL11757-000 8-Pin DIN to 9-Pin DB PC Cable For Use With a Personal Computer Pin 9 Pin 1 DB-9 Pin 8 Pin Female Plug Male Plug PC Signal Names Printer Signal Names (TXD) - Page 30 APPENDIX A INTERFACE CABLES (continued) NORAND TERMINALS Comtec Part Number RT 1100 and RT1700 Series BL13309-1, 8-Foot Coiled Cable, 6-Pin Mini DIN to 8-Pin DIN (Supports remote on/ off from terminal) BL13298-1 8-Foot Coiled Cable, 6-Pin Mini DIN to 8-Pin DIN Locking, over-molded.
- Page 31 APPENDIX A INTERFACE CABLES (continued) TELXON TERMINALS Comtec Part Number TELXON 960 BL11122-1, 8-Foot Coiled Cable, RJ45 to 8-Pin DIN TELXON PTC1140 BL12440-1, 3-Foot Pen Terminal Coiled Cable, ITT Cannon 15-Pin Sub Micro D to 8-Pin DIN TELXON 860 and 912...
-
Page 32: Appendix B
APPENDIX B MEDIA SUPPLIES To insure maximum printer life and consistent print quality and performance for your individual application, it is recommended that only media produced by Comtec be used. These advantages include: • Consistent quality and reliability of media products. -
Page 33: Appendix C
APPENDIX C MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES In addition to quality media provided by Comtec, it is recommended that the print head be cleaned as pre- scribed in the maintenance section. The following items are available for this purpose: • Print Head Cleaning Pads (10 pack), Reorder No. -
Page 34: Appendix D
APPENDIX D PRODUCT SUPPORT Contact the Comtec Product Support Help Desk at: Comtec Information Systems, Inc. 30 Plan Way Warwick, Rhode Island 02886-1012 Telephone: (401) 739-5800 Fax: (401) 732-0145 E Mail: support@comtecis.com Ask for the Help Desk In Europe: Comtec Europe B.V. -
Page 35: Patent Information
Patent Information This product and/or its use may be covered by one or more of the following US patents and corresponding international patents worldwide 4,264,396; 4,896,026; 5,229,591; 5,378,882; 5,503,483; 4,360,798; 4,897,532; 5,230,088; 5,396,053; 5,504,322; 4,369,361; 4,923,281; 5,235,167; 5,396,055; 5,524,993; 4,387,297; 4,933,538;...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Encore 4 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers